Paris: Sports, politics are always an enticing mix

President Barack Obama gives his Inaugural address on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, during the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, Pool)
— AP

President Barack Obama gives his Inaugural address on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, during the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, Pool)
/ AP

President Barack Obama raised his right hand Monday, but not to throw out the first pitch.

Those tracking politics and sports know Obama, uhm, a lefty, wouldn't do such a thing.

Instead he slid his mitt on two bibles, taking the oath for his second term, while my son and I took it in.

Politics and sports, or is it sports and politics, have long floated my boat.

Maybe an antenna was raised by my junior high history teacher, Tim Harvey, who was also my basketball coach.

Or my high school history teacher, Tom Judson, who was also my baseball coach.

They blended the subjects with ease and interest, that I've followed both with a passion and pleasure.

Through that intersection of two different threads of our nation's fabric, I've seen seven presidents.

Democrat or Republican, the thrill of sharing space with a president trumps all political leanings.

No lie, I shared a jubilant Angels locker room with Richard Nixon when they clinched their first playoff berth.

Nixon crowded around giddy players and avoided sprays of champagne just like the media.

Gerald Ford came by at the Bermuda Dunes Country Club at the Bob Hope Classic. While lounging with friends along the 15th fairway, imagine our surprise when Ford was on their patio, seeking a wayward shot.

Ford declined an iced tea with a polite and classy persona.

Ronald Reagan's sports connection dates to recreating Cubs games on radio. But our meeting came at Dodger Stadium, soon after he threw out the first pitch.

I had an upstairs ticket, but had great access through a familiar usher. He let me stand behind the screen for Reagan's heave, then I exited upstairs via the elevator.

After pushing the button, Reagan and his handlers turned the corner. There was a lengthy delay until it arrived, meaning, a couple minutes with a chatty Reagan.

Jimmy Carter was there for Petco Park's opening game. Walking from the dugout to the press box I caught his eye, showed a ceremonial ball and did a scribbling motion.

Carter motioned for it, signed it, and threw it back. Playing catch with a president? Not bad.

Bill Clinton loved San Diego, especially staying at the Del Coronado. Once when alerted he would go for a morning run, and if I was interested, be there at 7.

I was, along with Coronado's regular beach walkers. A Secret Service agent looked us over, then told us to stay put.

Clinton appeared, easily working the line: hand shake, smile, hand shake, smile. When reaching me, I said I was a Chargers beat writer, and I'm sure linebacker Billy Ray Smith would want me to say “hello.”

Clinton stopped, halted by the infusion of sports into his political world. Billy Ray's name was gold to a former Arkansas governor.

“I saw his Daddy play a lot of football for the Razorbacks,'' Clinton said.

Clinton departed, and being in running attire, I trailed behind Navy Seals and security. Once they reached the Naval Air Station North Island, I was forced to stop and the experience was over.

I thought.

Clinton and crew returned in 15 minutes, heading south. I joined and was allowed to stay on the edges.

Then the Navy Seals found another gear.

“Permission to pass, Sir?'' one asked, and they did.

So when reaching the Del, the group had thinned to Clinton, myself and two others.

Sports and politics strike again.

George H. W. Bush? When covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans, I arrived at an elevator with its doors held open. Bush then appeared, apologizing for the causing a delay and making sure to take time in saying hello.

George W. Bush? It was at a setting that raises goose bumps, and I hope the memory always will.

The Yankees returned for the 2001 World Series, Game 3, and just five weeks after 9/11. A tattered flag from the battered World Trade Center in center field was losing its struggle against an autumn wind.

Bush was determined to show America was rebounding, standing before a packed stadium atop the Yankee Stadium mound.

His bullet-proof vest was evident under his blue windbreaker, but also his resolve. The courage he displayed was evident to many who had lost friends in the attack, the ones chanting, “U.S.A.”

Bush fired a strike; the thunderous response was heard around the world.

Which brings us to Obama. That meeting came aboard the USS Carl Vinson at last year's Carrier Classic.

After a halftime interview, Obama walked by where I stood.

“Thank you for coming tonight, Sir,'' I said, with an outreached hand.

“Thank you,'' he said, giving it a firm shake.

Before letting go, I added: “How about those Bears?”

Obama stopped. Not because of politics, but sports.

“How about those Bears!'' the Chicagoan said, squeezing my hand for emphasis.

Sports and politics, and that had me hugging the Capitol steps on Monday.

I promised my youngest son in 2007 if his team, the Cubs, made the World Series, I would take him to Wrigley Field.

My eldest son was promised if his favorite candidate, Obama, was elected, I would take him to his inaugurations.

Despite the Cubs being the Cubs, I thought they had better odds than Obama.

But in politics, like sports, there are no guarantees. Only surprises, and that's what make both so appealing.